[Rehabilitation for paraplegics]

Abstract

Paraplegia permanently impairs the lives of patients and puts them at risk for other medical complications. Rehabilitation is very complex and has to be adjusted to the specific needs of the patient; it requires an interdisciplinary team with special training. Initial treatment of paraplegic patients aims to enable life at home whenever feasible or a nursing institution that can accommodate the patient's needs. For this, it is necessary that the patient is in stable condition, urinary and bowel continence has been established, ability to communicate is restored, and the patient is mobile within his/her means. Occupational rehabilitation should also have been started or at least offered. Another important element in the comprehensive care of paraplegic patients is lifelong follow-up.